Germany Central Conference

The Executive Committee of the United Methodist Church in Germany agreed to become more open and inclusive on matters relating to human sexuality during a video meeting Nov. 20-21. The decision seeks to preserve unity through a perspective of respectful coexistence as a way forward. Photo by Klaus Ulrich Ruof, United Methodist Communications Germany.

Norway, Germany move to more inclusivity

Top committee of German church agrees to be more open on human sexuality matters, while Norway Conference plans to issue a public apology to LGBTQ people.

Mission and Ministry

Clergy and lay leaders from the Northern Nigeria Conference hold portable torches outside the conference office in Gombe State, Nigeria. “Almost 90% of the Nigeria population is facing power challenges, and these solar lanterns will help clergy in terms of devotion, Bible studies and other church activities,” said Nigeria Area Bishop John Wesley Yohanna. Photo by Daniel Garba, UM News.

Solar lamps ease work of clergy, students in Nigeria

The four conferences of the Nigeria Episcopal Area received hundreds of solar systems to be used in United Methodist churches, homes and schools.

General Church

A group appointed to help The United Methodist Church in Germany deal with differences over homosexuality has proposed deleting passages about ordination of LGBTQ clergy and blessing of same-sex marriages from the Book of Discipline during a meeting in Fulda, Germany. Photo by Klaus U. Ruof, Communication UMC Germany.

German church proposes way to preserve connection

German church proposes deleting all Book of Discipline passages about ordination of LGBTQ clergy and blessing of same-sex marriages, while creating an association for those who hold to current bans.

Annual Conferences

Clockwise from top left: Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., 2018 Liberia Annual Conference, photo by E Julu Swen; worship team at 2015 California-Nevada Annual Conference, photo by Koua Vang; chalices and bread at 2015 Dakotas Annual Conference, photo courtesy of the conference; Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, 2015 Germany South Annual Conference, photo by Klaus Ulrich Ruof; attendees of 2017 Kentucky Annual Conference, photo by Kathleen Barry.

Church future focus of annual conferences

Ministry with LGBTQ people could be the No. 1 topic at United Methodist annual conferences, judging from resolutions filed about this issue.

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